Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
WITH the Zimbabwe National Karate Federation in line to host the 18th World Karate Federation Youth Camp next year, for the locals this is more than an event, but an opportunity for exposure and lessons.
The three-day training programme is due to take place in March next year and will bring together young karatekas from Under-14 to Under-21, drawn from across the world.
It will be led by World and Olympic Champions, focusing on skill development, mentorship and cultural exchange programme.
ZNKF head coach Winston Nyanhete said this is something the whole karate family and various stakeholders involved in the sport are looking forward to.
“It is very important for our country to host this, and it’s actually a huge honour to be considered as the host country for this particular event. Something like this usually happens in Europe,” said Nyanhete.
“And now, being given the opportunity to host it, it does not only give exposure to the athletes . . . it gives exposure to the coaches as well, because, whoever is coming in has that wealth of information.”
Speaking soon after confirmation as hosts, ZNKF president Joe Rugwete said they are going to field a large team for the camp.
Nyanhete believes it is a chance which the aspiring and young karatekas have always craved for.
“It’s good exposure.
“We get to field a bigger number here locally and those athletes get to meet their peers and learn from them, even coaches get to learn from other coaches from out there and administrators. Everything is all centralised here.
“And it benefits us all through and through as an association.
“The thing is, most people are limited to the coaches and the athletes they are used to. So, this will go a long way in sparking that fire that will go a long way.
“We have got young athletes who have never had the opportunity to travel, who have never had the actual exposure they need.
“This will give them that urge to want to look for more, even parents, I am sure we can get even the corporates involved so that we get the much-needed funding.
“So, it will have that weight to say, look, this is what we have in Zimbabwe in terms of talent. And, we just need to get out there so that we get to maximise on this thing that we have started, that is happening in March,” said Nyanhete.
Before the WKF World Youth Camp, Zimbabwe are expected to host the Guardian Girls Karate Instructors’ Course on November 19 and 20.
It is a WKF and UNFPA initiative aimed at equipping female Karate instructors with self-defence and empowerment skills to combat gender-based violence (GBV).
The course combines technical Karate training with modules on psychological aspects of violence, prevention, self-protection measures, and social resources.
Upon completion, instructors receive the WKF Guardian Girls Instructor Diploma, enabling them to roll out women’s self-defence activities in their own countries.
Each national federation in Africa may nominate one female candidate.
She must be over 18, at least a second-dan black belt holder, and should be a holder of a valid national federation licence and ideally have experience in women’s self-defence training.
The ultimate goal is to create a continental network of certified instructors who can run mid-to long-term self-defence and empowerment programmes under the WKF umbrella.
And it’s a case of sport going beyond just competition but providing platforms to discuss and address some of the challenges affecting societies and communities.
“About the seminar in November, it is good, especially for the women, because as much as there is inclusion, women have been marginalised for so long.
“It is good that a lot of women have this kind of exposure, especially the initiative for girls and the self-defence.
“It goes a long way in making sure that we curb this thing called gender-based violence.”
Rugwete said getting the green-light to host the two events is a positive development for the sport in the country.
“Zimbabwe was chosen because of its active engagement with WKF programmes and our proven ability to organise high-level events at the Africa Union Sports Council Region 5 level.
“Hosting is a major endorsement of our capacity and positions Zimbabwe as a regional leader in women’s empowerment through sport.
“It will have a transformative effect, exposing our athletes to world-class competition, upgrading our officials, and showcasing Karate as a tool for youth development and women’s empowerment.
“These events will leave a legacy of skills, equipment, and confidence for our entire Karate community,” said Rugwete.
The ZNKF was formed in 2020 to cater for non-full-contact karate members and has been pushing to grow the sport and create opportunities for its members.
Nyanhete, a seasoned karateka himself, believes they have made positive strides in growing the sport and for the future is optimistic they will see more local athletes reaching great heights.
Some of the promising rising stars include Anita Machuma and Bongeka Mguni, who were part of the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games team and Michael Zvirikuzhe.
On the seniors’ side, the likes of Ramsey Dean and Ashley Khuddu have made their mark in the sport.
